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Mechanical Engineering at Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
61
Optimistic
59
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $73,168/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #266 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Mechanical Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $873K $832K $711K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.6x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 59 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$231,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,820
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,750
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$92,873
27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Clarkson University's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $73,168/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

The 3.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 53% task exposure — and the 19% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $26,750 in median debt clears quickly against $73,168 in annual earnings.

At #266 out of 320 programs, Clarkson University's financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $73,168 to $92,873 shows 27% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Clarkson University

A 77% acceptance rate means Clarkson University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 2,449 students in Potsdam, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,820 over four years — 45% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Clarkson University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Aerospace engineers $134,830/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 320 schools offering Mechanical Engineering →

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

California State University Maritime Academy ($92,315) Duke University ($89,938) University of California-Berkeley ($88,497) Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($87,590) Cornell University ($85,440) Princeton University ($85,328) University of Notre Dame ($84,999) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($83,957)

Other Majors at Clarkson University

Computer Engineering ($80,942) Computer Science ($79,744) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,940) Chemical Engineering ($75,887) Engineering-Related Fields ($74,407) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($71,783) Civil Engineering ($70,136) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($67,308)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Clarkson University's Mechanical Engineering program score?
A score of 59/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Clarkson University trails the majority of Mechanical Engineering programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Mechanical Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Mechanical Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →